Kika van Es
A versatile and tenacious defender, she helped solidify the Dutch backline during a transformative era for women's football in the Netherlands.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Dutch footballer·Birthday: October 11·Millennials
Biography
Kika van Es carved out a solid career as a dependable defender in Dutch football, a period that coincided with the national team's rise to the sport's summit. Coming through the ranks at Willem II and later playing for clubs like Ajax and Everton, she was known for her adaptability, playing across the defensive line with intelligence and grit. Her international career, though not as decorated as some of her famed teammates, was crucial. She provided depth and stability, earning caps as the Oranje Leeuwinnen evolved from contenders into European champions. Van Es's story is one of the essential supporting actors—the players whose steady work in training and in matches when called upon helped build the foundation for a golden generation, culminating in that historic Euro 2017 victory on home soil.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kika was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kika Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Kika's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was part of the Netherlands women's national football team squad that won the UEFA Women's Euro 2017.
- Played professionally in the English FA Women's Super League for Everton.
- Represented the Netherlands at the senior international level, earning multiple caps.
Did You Know?
She retired from professional football in 2022.
Van Es played for Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie, one of the top clubs in the country.
She was part of the Dutch squad that reached the final of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
“You have to be ready to play wherever the team needs you.”
